Word count for essay assignments and college applications. Select a limit preset: Common App, UC, IELTS, TOEFL, and more: and track your count with a live progress bar. No signup.
Track Common App (650), UC (350), and Harvard Supplement (150) limits with a live progress bar.
Meet IELTS and TOEFL minimum word counts with real-time feedback as you write.
Hit exact word targets for academic essays, reports, and thesis chapters.
Monitor word counts for personal statements, grant proposals, and short-form submissions.
Choose your application type: Common App, UC, Harvard, IELTS, TOEFL, or Graduate SOP. The limit is set automatically.
Type or paste your essay text. The essay word counter updates all stats instantly as you write.
Green: under 80%. Amber: 80–100%. Red: over limit. Trim or expand to hit your target.
See words, characters, sentences, paragraphs, and estimated reading time in the stats panel.
This free essay word counter is built specifically for students who need to hit precise word limits for college applications, academic essays, and standardized tests. Unlike general word counters, it includes built-in presets for every major application type: Common App (650), UC Personal Insight (350), Harvard Supplement (150), Personal Statement (500), Graduate SOP (1000), IELTS (250 minimum), and TOEFL (300 minimum). The progress bar changes from green to amber at 80% of the limit and red when over.
The hardest part of writing a college essay is not what you say: it is saying it within the limit. The Common App 650-word limit is strict: the platform cuts off submission if you exceed it. After hitting the word count target, run the grammar checker and essay feedback tool to polish your final draft, then check the readability score to ensure admissions officers can follow your argument without effort.
Free, no signup. 8 presets: Common App, UC, Harvard, IELTS, TOEFL, and more.